1. Music artist

This is a scam that is common in New York City (Times Square especially or the Las Vegas strip). An overly friendly guy will approach you and offer a free CD of his music.

He claims that you would be doing him a huge favour if you were to accept it and play it in your country. Some would even autograph the CD as a show of sincerity.

Should you accept the CD, you will then be asked for payment. If you refuse, the scammer will refuse to take back the CD and make a scene claiming that you have stolen it.

Some would even have a gang of accomplices surround you and pressurize you into paying.

What to do:

There are actually legitimate sellers. But to spare yourself the trouble, spot these sellers from afar and avoid them.

2. Taking photos with TV / movie characters

How it works:

You can find tons of these characters on Broadway, such as spiderman, Elsa from Frozen, Ironman, etc.

If you were to take photos with them, be prepared to pay a tip, or be hounded or even attacked.

What to do:

If you must, either pay or take a photo from afar without them realizing it. Or just pay up for a cheap thrill.

3. Fake Las Vegas sign photographers

Las Vegas sign

How it works:

At the “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign, you will find many official-looking photographers ready to help you take a photo.

Note that there are no such official jobs around and these scammers will help you a photo first and then hound you for a tip.

What to do:

Just ask a fellow tourist to help you take a photo.

4. Fake charity peddlers

Charity peddler in New York City. Source: nydailynews.com

How it works:

There have been many reports of scammers claiming to represent some charity at the Times Square in New York.

For instance, they may claim to represent homeless people working for the Time Square news, or that they are helping people living in poverty in Africa, or even saving endangered animals from extinction etc.

To sound even more convincing, they come armed with fanciful brochures and postures.

Once you are hooked, they will ask you to sign on a form and to make a donation.

What to do:

If you really want to donate, go online, search for legitimate, registered organizations and donate to them instead.

5. The three card monte scam

Three card monte scam in New York City. Source: nypost.com

How it works:

Besides in the US, the shell game is also especially common in Europe (e.g. Germany, UK).

This game involves the showing and then shuffling of three cards (e.g. 2 black, 1 red). You have to guess which card is the odd one out. Guess correctly and you double your money.

The scam is perpetrated by a group of scammers. There is one dealer, two to three in the crowd acting as onlookers, one playing the game and one on the lookout for the police.

This game seems easy but it is impossible to win, because the dealer uses a sleight of hand trick to swap the card.

If you see anyone winning, that is the accomplice. This is so as to tempt tourists into thinking that it is easy to win.

Watch out for those accomplices acting as onlookers, as they will pressure you into playing or intimidate you into staying. Some may even steal your valuables when you are distracted.

Get a good travel insurance (e.g. World Nomads, trusted by Lonely Planet and National Geographic – check our review) which covers loss of valuables.

11. Shake my hand and buy my item to let go

Union Square. Source: tripsavvy.com

How it works:

As the title suggests, there have been reports (e.g. at Union Square) of a guy coming up to you to shake your hand while holding a box of candies.

Once you fall for it, he is not going to let go until you pay an inflated price for the box of candies he is holding.

What to do:

Decline and avoid.

12. Casino theft (many variations)

Vegas casino

How it works:

There have been reports of theft at casinos, in many different variations:

At female toilets in casinos, a thief can reach over the stall and grab handbags / purses off the door’s hooks

A scammer might drop some money on the floor and ask if those are yours. Once you are distracted, the scammer’s accomplice will swoop in and steal your bucket of coins or tokens.

In casinos with coinless machines, there are scammers who roam around trying to find machines with high credit. Next, they distract you, and an accomplice swoops in to cash out the machine by pressing the button to print the redemption ticket and then escapes with it.

What to do:

Avoid putting yourself in the aforementioned situations and stay alert.

13. Can you help cash out my chips / can you help me?

Roulette

How it works:

This can come in many variations as well.

One common variation is near the casinos, where the scammer will say a sob story such as:

I was winning lots of money, but the casino accused me of card counting and threw me out. I didn’t even get a chance to cash out of my chips. I have $10,000 worth of it now, can I pay you $500 to help me cash it?

However, for me to trust you, can you pass me your wallet so that I can exchange it back with you once you cash in those chips?

Those are obviously fake chips but there are still tourists who fall for it.

Other variations could be for instance, claiming to be robbed and needing money for transport to the hotel / police station; or asking you to buy a jewellery which is obviously fake at an inflated price, etc.

What to do:

If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Never accept such kinds of propositions from a stranger.

14. VIP pass scam

Las Vegas. Source: visitlasvegas.com

How it works:

You will find VIP passes being promoted in nearly all casinos or strip corners in Las Vegas.

This pass, which may come with a free drink or expedited entry, doesn’t actually work as advertised.

The free drinks which these passes entitle you to are usually limited to a certain time. Expedited entry also doesn’t work if the club is full, which defeats the purpose of the pass in the first place.

There are even fake passes being sold, so do be wary of that.

Of course, there are legitimate VIP passes, but be prepared to spend more.

Also there is a risk of being rejected by the club hosts and employees who claim that these are fake. This is because the host / employee did not take a cut of the profits of the pass and so would not care.

Pass your pass to the cashier instead of to them.

What to do:

Do your research to find the legitimate promoters / places to buy from. Consider these sources:

Get a good travel insurance (e.g. World Nomads, trusted by Lonely Planet and National Geographic – check our review) which covers loss of valuables.

2. Metrocard scam

Metrocard. Source: nydailynews.com

How it works:

There have been reports where people pick up abandoned cards usually with little value left in them and resell them for a higher price, while claiming that it is actually a “discounted” price.

In fact, it was reported that a homeless man made over $20,000 just from reselling these cards.

Note that it is illegal for anyone besides the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) to sell these cards.

What to do:

Only buy your transportation cards from the authorized MTA dealers.

3. Ferry to Staten Island / fake tickets

Staten Island ferry

How it works:

Found on most tourists’ list of things to do, a trip on the iconic ferry to Staten Island is a great way to see New York’s harbour.

You might find street hawkers pushing these tickets at any price. But thing is, you do not have to pay to get on board!

Besides the Staten Island ferry ticket, there are other “fake” and overpriced tickets sold by unlicensed groups.

For instance, the infamous SJQ Sightseeing tours scammers who wear dark blue vests with those words, sell new Statue of Liberty tickets for $80-100, reused Statue of Liberty tickets and even Battery Park entrance tickets for $20 when entrance is free!

SJQ Sightseeing tours touts. Source: awalkintheparknyc.blogspot.com

Do beware of these crooks who operate around lower Manhattan!

What to do:

Do some research before buying these tickets. E.g. is a ticket required? If so, where is the authorized outlet to buy from?

4. Fake taxis / ubers at the airport

How it works:

Like many other countries globally (e.g. Philippines, Mexico), beware of drivers soliciting for customers away from the official queues.

They will claim to charge a lower price to entice you, however, you will definitely end up paying more.

For instance, he could be using a crooked meter, may drive you somewhere secluded and then demand a huge fee, or simply rob you of your valuables.

What to do:

Do not take an unofficial taxi. If you do take one, take a photo of the car plate and the driver’s license in case anything goes wrong.

Else, consider these other options:

Get a cab from the official line.

Pre-arrange vehicle pick up through your hotel / hostel or through day tour platform like Viator (largest globally and in the US).

Book a rental car through AutoEurope – over 60 years of industry experience, super reliable with best price guarantee.

Use a taxi booking app like Uber or Lyft.

5. The runaway taxi driver

Street in New York City

How it works:

There have been reports of taxi drivers coming out of the cab to help you with your luggage in the boot.

However, they miss out one or two small bags intentionally and then quickly drive off with them before you realize.

That will prevent your cards’ details from being skimmed by thieves with a mobile RFID reader / scanner.

5. Electronic pickpocket

How it works:

If you carry a credit card, your cards can get swiped by a thief with a RFID scanner.

How this works: credit cards / e-passports / key cards etc contain a RFID chip (you can find a symbol of radio waves on your card). This chip is what allows you to make contact-less payments / perform actions through radio waves.

However, a crook walking by with a device can swipe your credit card’s numbers and expiration date or personal information from other cards.

6. Fake front desk phone calls

There have been many reports of this in Georgia (and also all around the country).

Scammers use smuggled phones acting as fake front desk personnel, calling guests in the wee hours to request for credit card information and there are different ways of doing so:

Method #1: they claim that the hotel’s computer system has crashed or that there is an error with the number, and a number of sleepy guests do get caught off guard.

Method #2: the scammer claims that he just wants to verify your card details on record. He will provide the last 4 digits of your card, which are obviously wrong. When you point out the error, he will act confused and ask you to tell him all the numbers.

What to do:

Do not provide your credit card details over the phone no matter the occasion. Cut the phone and check with the front desk if in doubt.

7. Room service

Room service. Source: uk.businessinsider.com

How it works:

Room service charges are usually charged to the credit card on file with the hotel.

If the staff demands cash when delivering your food, double check with the reception.

What to do:

Double check with the front desk if asked to pay cash upfront for room service.

8. The bump, drop and spoiled item scam

Seattle

How it works:

Similar to the earlier scam, this can occur in many variations.

One is where the scammer will knock into you and drop a pair of broken glasses (can also be a broken phone, etc), then claiming that you have broken it.

They usually do this in a crowded place as it is easier to execute.

Further, it is also easier to intimidate you by claiming loudly with an accusatory tone that you have broken the item.

What to do:

When caught in such a situation, ignore and walk off.

Or you could accuse the other guy of bumping into you and threaten to call the police to mediate (number at the end of this article). That should solve the problem.

9. Italian suit scam

How it works:

This is one that also happens in Italy / Europe and it goes like this.

A scammer will happen to be lost and approach you for directions to the airport, as he is flying back to Italy.

Should you help him, he will thank you, make some small chat and then offer you some suits at a low price. He claims to have too many of these and he would like you to have it as appreciation for your help.

If you accept it, this also helps him as it is a great hassle to bring all these back home.

What to do:

These suits are mere thrift store stuff and not worth the few hundreds the scammer will ask for. Firmly reject.

10. “Dynamic” prices at hotdog / food carts

How it works:

Beware of those food carts on the street which do not post their prices.

Often times, they price discriminate and charge tourists / foreigners a higher price.

If you smell something amiss at the price they offer, simply walk away and the price offered will drop.

What to do:

Buy from stalls with prices displayed or simply walk away if charged an exorbitant price.

11. Beggars with babies

Beggar. Source: nycvalues.blogspot.com

How it works:

It was reported in 2014 that there was a group of women who spent long hours on the streets begging, using babies / toddlers with signs claiming that they are jobless and hungry.

They would work in shifts, passing the babies / toddlers to the woman on the next shift.

What to do:

Ignore them (they could easily get government services but chose not to, as they prefer cash) to discourage such actions.

12. Timeshare scams

Resort

How it works:

How it works over here is that you will find well dressed salespeople offering you a free gift or discounted tickets to tourist attractions.

However, the catch is that you have to attend a timeshare sales pitch.

What happens next is that you will be subject to high pressure sales techniques over the next two hours either make a full purchase or sign up for a paid trial.

What to do:

Do not bother partaking in timeshare sessions. The timeshare apartment is likely a poor investment.

Plus you will almost never get the free gift due to the onerous terms and conditions. Or you might even have to pay to receive the “free” gift.

13. White van speaker scam

White van. Source: bbb.org

How it works:

This is a really old scam that still exists (also in Canada) which targets both locals and tourists.

The scammers, working in groups of 3, will wear a company uniform and drive their van around.

They would approach you and explain that due to some corporate error (e.g. over-order by client; system error, etc), they are now left with many speakers which they need to clear soon.

As such, they are able to offer you at lower than retail prices if you are interested to buy.

Should you reject the offer, that’s when the high pressure sales tactics will come in. They will bombard you with fancy looking marketing collateral, technical jargon, hound you if you try to leave and finally, lower the price significantly.

Note that it is not just speakers which can be sold, anything else can be sold too.

What to do:

Reject such offers – these are poor quality speakers / items.

14. Watch my place at the bar scam

Cocktail

How it works:

This is a very simple yet ingenious scam.

A girl might chat you up at the bar, and then leave her bag there and ask you to help look after it, as she goes get a drink / to the toilet.

She heads over to the bartender, orders a drink and then calls / waves at you. Should you wave back, you have just acknowledged to the bartender to put the drink on your tab.

What to do:

It’s alright to meet new people at a bar, just be wary of such situations.

15. Victim turned robber scam

How it works:

This can turn out in many variations.

For instance, the scammer might approach you in a dark street and ask for help as he has just been robbed. Should you take your wallet out, the scammer’s accomplices will appear out of nowhere and snatch it away.

Besides a wallet, it can be anything, such as needing a phone to make emergency calls as the scammer’s phone has just been stolen, or simply asking what time it is and requesting you to check your phone, etc.

Tsunamis: signs include abnormal ocean activity and load roars. Protect yourself from an earthquake first if there is one. Else, get to a high ground as far inland as possible.

Hurricanes: stay indoors away from windows, do not use electrical appliances / equipment, do not head out and touch debris (more injuries / deaths happen after than during).

Volcanic eruption: avoid areas downwind and river valleys downstream of the volcano, do not drive in heavy ash fall, seek shelter (if no need to evacuate) or high ground if no shelter (crouch down away from volcano, cover head with arms).

Forest fires: make yourself seen (e.g. spread out something large and bright), find shelter with little vegetation, stay low to avoid smoke.

4. Transport safety

How it works:

Road conditions are safe, though vary state to state.

Most importantly, check weather conditions before embarking on long routes or to mountainous areas.

Only get a rental car via legitimate platforms (e.g. AutoEurope – over 60 years of industry experience, super reliable with best price guarantee).

Check latest media reports and weather forecast.

Stay alert, wear seatbelts, keep doors locked and windows up.

E. GETTING HELP

1. Emergency numbers to call

Police in US. Source: boingboing.net

All emergencies: 911

Join the community!

Get protected!

5 Comments

Rac
on April 29, 2017 at 3:23 am

I was walking towards battery park to get the ticket to the statue of liberty. There was those people with blue coat. They asked me where we were going. I said it we are going to battery park to get the ticket to statue of liberty. She said the line is so long. I have to wait 3 hours just to get the ticket and 3 hours for the boat and she said for kids they require birth certificate to get the ticket. It sounded very odd to me and I told them that that was not true because I have been there before and we didn’t need them. The lady said rules has changed. I actually believed them. I asked her so if I take this tour will I be able to see the statue of liberty and Ellis Island. She said no. The boat will stop so that you can take a picture but you won’t be able to get in the island. After asking the price which was almost 200$+ for one kid and two adult. I told her we will go wait in the line for 3 hours and if they ask for birth certificate we won’t go. We went to battery park to get the ticket there was not even a long line. We asked the trooper if we need a birth certificate he said it was not needed. The total was 37$ to get the ticket for 3. Once we got our ticket after 30 minutes we were on our way to liberty island. I still can’t believe I was almost scammed.

america–the failed hu$tling empire of hyper-aggressive thugs who cannot perceive a world where they compromise with anyone. America is a culture of domination and subjugation. A culture of greed and narcissism. It could never be the idealized America that its soft power sells in the form of Friends and the myriad of movies that paint America as a unique a beautiful place.

It’s a spiteful, sleazy, ugly culture that inhabits that “nation”–business vulture/venture. From top to bottom the shyster people are rotten. It hasn’t spread, they have always been a rotten and selfish people. It’s why politically you can accomplish nothing. The poor that the Left love to idealize is just as nasty and as cruel as the elite who use them and throw them away like garbage.